My thoughts on the ‘Best Picture’ nominees

I have a few thoughts on the “Best Picture” nominees for the Oscars this weekend.

1. I haven’t seen any of the movies nominated.

Okay, so maybe I have a single thought on the “Best Picture” nominees for the Oscars this weekend. Therefore, I need your help. If you had to choose ONE movie to see this weekend before the awards show, what would you recommend, knowing my personality? Here are your choices:

American Sniper What I know: It has my beloved Bradley Cooper cast as the main character in a tragic story. I am familiar with the life of Chris Kyle. I will not leave the theater happier than when I went in.

Birdman What I know: Michael Keaton is one of the coolest people in my imagination. I’ve signed no less than 34 petitions for him to make Beetlejuice 2, and he was by far my favorite Batman. (No offense Christian Bale. I still love you too, but in a Jack Kelly/Laurie kind of way.) Birdman also features my best friend forever Emma Stone.

Boyhood What I know: It was filmed over 13 years, which is SO COOL, but I also heard that it’s as if you are sitting in the theater for 13 hours. It’s looooooong.

The Grand Budapest Hotel What I know: Quirky Wes Anderson wrote it, which means there will be tons of jokes that I probably won’t get.

The Imitation Game What I know: BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH! Smart people!

Selma What I know: It’s about Martin Luther King’s life during the freedom march in the ’60s. Oprah is somehow involved, with Common and John Legend. NPR told me that the cinematography is out of this world.

The Theory of Everything What I know: This is the story of Stephen Hawking and the actor playing him (Eddie Redmayne) is sweeping the award circuit.

American Sniper really touched me. My dad and husband were military men so I have a deep, deep appreciation for what is required of those who serve in the armed forces. The show takes you into the harsh realities of combat zones but movies like this move me to help carry their burdens by allowing myself to empathize and respect their sacrifices rather than taking for granted the freedoms I enjoy and ignoring the details.

I really liked Imitation Game too, but that’s would be my second choice.

I’ve heard the same…that there is complete silence at the end. Thanks baseballmama

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Julie

5 years ago

I’ve seen all but Selma (watching tonight) and Whiplash. I would skip Boyhood. I absolutely loved The Theory of Everything and The Imitation Game. Birdman and Grand Budapest Hotel were entertaining, quirky and funny. I would watch them but not in a hurry.

SNIPER. Bradley Cooper’s performance is beyond outstanding. I saw it twice–opening weekend and the weekend after. And I’m usually not one to enjoy a “war” movie. Will you leave happier than when you went in? No…but you will be changed.

Too bad you don’t live in Kansas, Lincee! You could go to the Best Picture 24-hr. marathon with us this weekend! Seeing all 8 of the BP nominees from 10:00 Saturday morning to 5:30 Sunday morning. Fun times.

American Sniper fo sho…and take a box of Kleenex. You won’t need them during the movie but if you have a pulse, you will when you walk out. I saw a snippet of Grand Budapest Hotel a few weeks ago when I was in an Acceptable Austin Hotel and for the 7 minutes I made myself watch it to see what all the hype was about, I was not a fan. Way too quirky for me. I’m a smart cookie but I don’t like movies where I have to wonder if I’m missing the joke or if the joke is… Read more »

American Sniper. No question. I was a Bradley fan, and now I’m a BRADLEY FAN. He was incredible. The story is incredible. It was such a touching movie, and really lets you in on how things are for our military. You won’t leave happier after seeing it, but you can’t NOT see it. As a Bradley fan, and as a TEXAN, you must see this movie!!

The only other one I have seen is Boyhood, and yes, it is cool that it took so long to film, but that is literally the only thing worth watching for…

American Sniper – SOOOOO good! Highly, highly recommend. Birdman – never saw, looks bizarre to me. Boyhood – very unique concept, but not much actually happens in the movie. Grand Budapest – rented it and turned it off 15 minutes in – not my cup of tea. Imitation Game – have not seen personally but my mom and friends said it was incredible! Theory of Everything – same as Imitation Game. Have heard it’s wonderful! Selma – haven’t seen it Whiplash – Kevin McCarthy (movie reviewer who I think you may like) said it was awesome but I haven’t seen… Read more »

I’d recommend either Imitation Game if you’re up for a good historical fiction or American Sniper if you want something heavy and intense. Both are really good. Spare yourself and don’t bother with Boyhood. Selma is also good. But not my first choice that being said I think every American should be required to view American Sniper and Selma.

The only one I’ve seen is Imitation Game. We really really liked it! I don’t know if I will ever have the gumption to watch American Sniper…i know it’s worthwhile, but it’s R for a reason and I don’t know if I want all that imprinted in my mind.

I run through the reviews on plugged in. com when making viewing choices

I think you and I enjoy a lot of the same things. I haven’t seen American Sniper yet, so I can’t say about that one. If you are only going to see ONE, not Birdman. It was okay, but a little boring and weird. It is fine, but not if you are only going to see one of them! Theory of Everything has everything you want in a good movie. A sweeping story, a love story, and triumph! I heard Imitation Game is good, but I haven’t seen it. Grand Budapest Hotel was a little boring to me, and I… Read more »

Oh wow. It was boring to a person who likes boring movies? That says a lot. Thanks Kristin!

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Jodi

5 years ago

Lincee – I’ve seen almost all of them and they are all so different in so many ways. I voted American Sniper for obvious reasons. The film is incredible. But I loved Imitation Game and Whiplash too. Theory of Everything was good. I thought Birdman was 2 hours I’ll never get back and so I must be missing something. I thought Boyhood was 3 hours I’ll never get back and so clearly I’ve missed a lot. lol BTW I thought Cake was so good – sorry to not see it or Jen nominated. I plan to see Still Alice if… Read more »